Word origin of 'cluck'

cluck for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (klʌk)

Word forms: clucks, clucking, clucked

Definitions

1. verb

When a hen clucks, it makes short, low noises. [V] ⇒ Chickens clucked in the garden.

2. verb

To cluckover someone or something means to behave in a fussy or protective way. [disapproval] [Vover/around n] ⇒ I've never been one to cluck over babies of either sex. [Vover/around n] ⇒ The seamstresses cluck around a dummy, discussing a tuck here and there.

3. verb

To cluckat someone or something means to make disapproving noises or say things in a disapproving way. [Vat n] ⇒ Superintendent Fairbairn was still clucking at the photographers, warning them he'd be speaking to their editor. [V] ⇒ He clucks in disapproval. [V n] ⇒ Teddy clucked his tongue like a disapproving English matron.

Example sentences containing 'cluck'

Amy didn't say much, nor did she coo and cluck falsely over the baby.Thomas, Rosie THE WHITE DOVERyan saidlisten, the cluck still had to make his payments; you realize that?Elmore Leonard UNKNOWN MAN #89